The United States is reportedly accelerating its plans for lunar nuclear power generation, according to information obtained by Politico. NASA has previously explored the possibility of constructing reactors on the Moon and now, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is reportedly pushing for a faster implementation of these ambitions.
A newly drafted policy directive, as reported by Politico, includes instructions to solicit proposals from industry regarding a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor capable of being operational by 2030. This initiative builds upon prior NASA-funded research into a smaller, 40-kilowatt reactor intended for lunar deployment in the early 2030s.
The directive also raises the possibility of the nation first to establish a reactor on the Moon having the ability to declare a restricted zone. This factor is reportedly contributing to the urgency in seeking firms capable of ensuring a reactor’s operational status by 2030.
The move comes as China also aims to land a human astronaut on the lunar surface around the same timeframe. Sources within NASA suggest a competitive drive is at play, reflecting a perception of a renewed space race. The agency is seeking to secure a leading role in future lunar activities.
